Online registration for Spartans basketball opens on August 1st. Typically, previous year players will receive an email when online registration begins.

Why does basketball registration occur so early for this Winter sport?

The Spartans are a member of the Arapahoe Youth League (AYL), which has more than 200+ teams participating in youth basketball. Each club must define and commit by the end of October each year as to the number of teams by grade and division that will participate in the league. This is required to allow time for the all volunteer AYL basketball board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, number of officials required, gyms, etc. This also provides time for Spartans to acquire and train quality coaches to fill any coaching vacancies.

When does the typical basketball season run?

Practice begins the first week in November with a 4 – 5 week pre-season practice schedule. This allows time for the players to get into "basketball" shape. The regular season starts with the first games being played on the first weekend of December. The season consists of 8-10 regular season games and a end of season championship tournament. Our season ending championships are completed by mid February. The season calendar varies year to year by as much as one week.

The cost for Spartans basketball can change from year-to-year primarily based on our gym provider’s adjustments in usage fees. The cost to play basketball in 2017 is $280 if registered and paid in full at the time of registration, by midnight September 15. On 9/16/17, Spartans assess a late fee making the cost of Registration $305. After 10/1/17 registration is closed and is then by invitation only.

What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Spartans basketball?

Each individual player is responsible for purchasing his/hers own game uniform (approx $50-$75) and basketball shoes. If purchasing a new shoe please consider purchasing a basketball specific shoe, which has tread and construction suited for basketball movement. It is also recommended to bring your own ball for practice. Spartans game jersey and short designs are owned by Spartans and can only be purchased at our club store.

Basketball equipment may be purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Play it Again Sports, Big 5 Sporting Goods or any other sporting goods store.

How is a new player assigned to a team? Are there tryouts?

A basketball player is assigned to a team based upon grade, school and experience. Grade is determined by the grade that your son/daughter are in the fall. We attempt to place a new player on a team with similar experience level. Then if there are multiple choices, we will try to match the new player with a team that has other players from the same school or within the middle school feeder system. Priority for placement is based on what date you registered.

New Spartans basketball players may request to play with a friend or a particular coach. This can be noted on the registration form. If a team preference is indicated on the registration form, Spartans will endeavor to grant that preference. However, there are other factors such as team level of competitive play, specific team roster openings, etc, that affect that placement. Generally, there will be a conversation between the parents and a Spartans basketball representative to ensure correct team placement if a specific team preference is indicated.

Spartans do hold try-outs for Division 1 and zero teams grades 3 through 8th grade. The Selection criteria is currently in development.

Criteria for Try-Outs: TBD

Who conducts the try-outs?

Spartans basketball board and volunteer coaches.

What happens if my child is not selected during try-outs?

Your child will be placed on a recreational team.

How are returning Spartans basketball players placed on teams?

Returning players who are registered and paid in full by 9/15/17 will automatically be granted higher priority over new players and will generally be assigned to the same team they played on the previous season unless specifically requested otherwise by the coach. The player’s jersey number used by that returning player is also maintained for that player as long as the registration is completed by September 15. Should a returning player fail to register by the September 15th cutoff, they will be placed on a team in the same manner and priority as any new player. Should a returning player wish to change teams for any reason, please contact one of the Spartans basketball representative as soon as possible, allowing time to advise and assist you in making the requested change.

Please understand that a returning player that wishes to change teams must still register by September 15th. If registered prior to September 15th, the returning player requesting to change teams will be given priority over any new players requesting that same team. Priority for placement for the returning player requesting to change teams is based on the date you registered online or the US Post Office postmark date of their registration. Please note that coach's of competitive teams have discretion on the players assigned to their rosters regardless of date of registration.

How many players are on a team?

Team size can vary depending on the total number of kids registered among grades but the max roster size is 10 kids.

How are jersey numbers decided?

After being assigned to a team, Spartan coaches will take requests from new playersfor their top 3 jersey numbers or a request for a jersey number change. Coaches attempt to honor those requests to the extent possible.

Where, when and how often is practice?

The Spartans pay for permits primarily from Cherry Creek, Aurora, Denver and other private schools. Most teams practice 1-2 times (depending on availability) per week in the preseason and could have 1 practice on the weekend. Once the regular season starts, teams will typically practice 2 times a week with the practice times ranging between 6:30pm-9:00pm during the week and 9:00am-10:00pm Saturdays. The start and end time for practices are determined by the Spartans and generally takes in to account the coaches work schedule as well as the school schedule our players are under. Generally, the younger age teams begin earlier and have shorter practices, between 60-90 minutes long.

How many games are played? Where and when are they scheduled?

The AYL regular season generally consists of eight to ten (8-10) games. Teams can qualify for post season playoffs/championships. The number of games played during the playoffs can vary based upon the number of teams in a grade division.

The AYL is comprised of member clubs in the South Metro area communities of Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, SE Denver, South Aurora, Parker and Castle Rock. Games can be played in any of these communities.

Regular season games are scheduled for Friday (5:00-10:00pm) or Saturday (9:00am-9:00pm). The first regular season game is scheduled for Friday or Saturday of the first weekend in December. The regular season runs through the end of January/early February. Post-season playoffs begin immediately following the conclusion of the regular season and continue with the AYL Championships completed no later than the end of February. Please understand that games may be postponed by weather, gym issues or other problems resulting in game cancellations. Games are typically rescheduled ASAP and can be played on any day of the week.

Basketball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team. Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Depending upon team rules, playing time may be impacted because of the time your player misses due to a vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid playing time impacts. If you must schedule a family vacation during the season, please inform your head coach as soon as possible so they may prepare for your players absence.

What if my child decides after signing up that he does not like basketball and wants to quit? What is the refund policy?

All registration fees for Spartans basketball are 100% non-refundable. If you wish to discuss this policy, please contact one of the Spartans basketball representatives.

Who can be a coach?

Anyone can apply to be a head or assistant coach. All coaching candidates will go through a precertification process. The process involves filling out an application, undergoing a background check and completing an interview with the Spartans basketball director. All Spartans coaches are required to attend any mandated yearly AYL coach trainings and are encouraged to attend any local coaching clinics if they can as well. Specific coach training and skill/drill information is available to any authorized Spartans basketball coach through a contract Spartans has arranged with an outside firm. All Spartans basketball head coaches are evaluated annually both by their parents/players on their team as well as the Spartans basketball representative. Retention as a Spartans basketball head coach is offered on a year-to-year basis based on these evaluations. If interested in coaching Spartans basketball please contact the Spartans basketball representative directly.

How can I help?

There are many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering to the Spartans organization, please contact the Spartans basketball representative directly.

Can I bring a team or a partial team to Spartans?

Yes, depending on the timing of the discussion/request we are usually able to accept full or partial teams. If you are interested in doing this, please contact the Spartans basketball director directly ASAP to work thru the many issues that may/may not surround this.

How do I go about requesting/getting my athlete with a friend or with car pool that I have arranged?

If you are interested in having your athlete play with a friend or car pool that you have arranged please list this in the "Friend/Car Pool" question in the online registration process. Spartans will endeavor to make this happen but depending on the timing of the request, it may/may not be possible. We cannot guarantee placement with requested friends.

If I have additional questions, whom do I contact?

If you have any questions about the Spartans basketball program, please contact